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Helpful Area and Regional Maps
Redstone Arsenal /Brac Information Link
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The City I am pleased to provide you information on the Huntsville/Madison County community. My goal is to provide you with useful information as you make important decisions about your future. I am happy to introduce you to this vibrant, progressive city and the recognition it has received as one of the country's most advanced technology centers.
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Huntsville, originally named Twickenham, was the first incorporated town in the state of Alabama. Though growth was slow at first, the population took off, fostered by wealth generated by the cotton industry and the town’s importance as a textile center. Today, Huntsville’s main economic focus is the aerospace and military industries, being the home to both the Redstone Arsenal and the Marshall Space Flight Center. In 2005, Huntsville housed forty-two Fortune 500 companies and was named the 6th best place in the nation for doing business by Forbes Magazine. I am confident my community has what it takes to meet your high standards as well. Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have questions or need further assistance. I am a Realtor who doesn't just make promises, but I deliver on them. I am a Realtor who prides herself in "Getting the Job Done!" I am here to help you and am hopeful you will decide to use my real estate knowledge as you consider a move to my community.
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Below are links about Huntsville/Madison County and Surrounding areas: K-12 Public
The Huntsville/Madison County school systems offer: Advance Placement courses in English, math, science, computer science, foreign language, social studies and art that allow students to earn college credits. Magnet school programs that enable students to focus on international social studies, language, Space Science, engineering or creative and performing arts. The Space Science curriculum was developed with the assistance of NASA's Marshall Space Center and the Creative and Performing Arts magnet has received many awards for its programs in visual arts, vocal music, creative writing, dance, drama, photography/video, and technical theater production.
Private Schools
Many independent or religiously-affiliated private schools are located in the Huntsville/Madison County area. Private schools give parents the option of selecting an educational institution with a smaller student-teacher ratio, traditional or alternative curriculum offerings, and other specialty programs. Many of the schools administer standardized testing programs, which measure the effectiveness of instruction and the selected curriculum. Institutions of Higher Education
Area colleges and universities offer a diverse selection of science, engineering, business and liberal arts degrees through the doctorate level as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities. Area schools have been recognized nationally for excellence in technology and business with the University of Alabama in Huntsville ranking as one of America’s 100 Best Buys.
4-Year Universities Secondary Training
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| Housing/Real Estate |  | | Area Homes The Huntsville/Madison County community has a wide variety of housing options to meet the unique needs of almost any family or individual. With a healthy and growing economy, the Huntsville area housing market has kept a steady pace of new homes and developments for many years. Due to a low cost of living, housing prices in the Huntsville market are 22% below the national average. Home prices range from just under $100,000 - $130,000 for starter homes and first-time homebuyers to $250,000 for a typical 3-bedroom brick home. High end custom homes are also available with numerous planned developments including lakes, walking trails, mountain views and other amenities. Downtown historic districts include 1920’s-era cottages as well as antebellum homes. More secluded settings are also available in outlying communities within the county, including mini-farms and stable areas for horses.
New Home Comparison Price of a 2,400 square foot living area new house; 8,000 square foot lot; urban area with all utilities. | | Purchase Price | Monthly Mortgage Payment
| | Huntsville Metro Area | $220,980 | $990 | | Washington DC Metro Area | $654,540 | $2,846 | | % Difference | 196% | |
Source: American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association (ACCRA) Cost of Living Index, 3rd Quarter 2005. Home Listings _Find Huntsville Homes; Madison Homes; Madison County Homes As a Top Huntsville Realtor specializing in the buying and selling of Huntsville Homes; Madison Homes; Madison County Homes I encourage you to contact me so we may be able to work a marketing or purchasing plan that will best suit your real estate needs. Apartments & Condominiums The Huntsville area apartment market has also grown in recent years as the economy continues to grow. A wide variety of options exist and are available on a short or long-term basis. Complexes include lakes, walking trails, indoor and outdoor fitness as well as many other amenities. The average rental rate for a 950 square foot 2-bedroom apartment is $555 per month. More than 850 new apartments units are currently under construction. Condominium and townhouse living is also available in the Huntsville area. New or renovated downtown mid-rise condominiums provide scenic views, while executive townhouse communities provide maintenance-free living. Options existing in a wide price range for singles and families to retirement age. Apartment Comparison Monthly rent for a two bedroom, unfurnished, excluding all utilities except water 11/2 or 2 baths, 950 square foot apartment: | | Monthly Rent
| | Huntsville Metro Area | $615 | | Washington DC Metro Area | $1,680 | | % Difference | 173% |
Source: American Chamber of Commerce Researchers Association (ACCRA) Cost of Living Index, 3rd Quarter 2005. Apartment Listings |
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| Taxes | | Taxes in Huntsville/Madison County are generally low and/or competitive with other areas. Alabama has a personal income tax ranging between 2% - 5% of personal income. Alabama is one of a few states that allows the deduction of federal income tax from state tax liability, effectively reducing the amount of taxes paid. Property taxes are among the lowest in the nation. Tax is paid on 10% of assessed market value. For example, a $100,000 home in the city of Huntsville would be assessed at $10,000. The tax rate of $58/$1,000 of assessed value would then be applied for a total tax of $580/year. Sales tax throughout Madison County is 8%.
| Personal Income Tax | | | State of Alabama: | 2-5% of annual personal income | | | Local: | None | Personal Property Tax
| | | City of Huntsville: | 58.0 mils (tax on a $100,000 home = $580/year) | | | Madison County: | 36.5 mils (tax on a $100,000 home = $365/year) | | Sales Tax | | | State & Local Total: | 8% |
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| | Utilities | | | Establishing new home utility service is not difficult. Huntsville Utilities is a one stop service center for residents inside the city of Huntsville. Sewer service is provided by the City of Huntsville. For residents in Madison County outside of the city limits, water is provided by the Madison County Water Department. A variety of options exist for home phone, cable television and internet providers. Cell phone service is also provided by most major carriers. Utilities Home Phone/Cable/Internet |
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| License & Registration | | Whether registering your driver’s license or registering to vote, Huntsville & Madison County will provide a one-stop service for residents affected by BRAC relocation. This helpful center will allow you to complete many needed tasks in one convenient location to help make relocating smooth and easy. The following contacts provide more detailed information on individual license and registration offices: - Auto Registration
Madison County Courthouse, License Commissioner Office
256/532-3310
100 Northside Square, Huntsville, AL
- Driver’s License
Madison County License Department
256/539-0681
1115-A Church Street, Huntsville, AL
www.co.madison.al.us/about/org/CoDepts/LicenseDept/
- Voter Registration
Madison County Courthouse
www.co.madison.al.us/voter/register.shtml
100 North Side Square, Huntsville, AL
- Madison County Animal Control Department
256/532-1519
- Huntsville Animal Control
256/883-3788
- Greater Huntsville Humane Society
256/881-8081
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